The government won't reach new public service cuts with attrition

Even with an early retirement incentive, it will be hard for some departments to achieve the cuts through voluntary departures.

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Dear Public Service Confidential,

Now that we know how many public servants the prime minister wants to kick to the curb over the next few years, is it possible that these levels of reductions can be achieved mostly through attrition or attrition alone?

Or is the government blowing smoke on this point?

Signed,

— a sceptical public servant Article content Article content Article content

While I can certainly empathize with the frustration and scepticism that comes when government ministers practice the fine art of “blowing smoke,” on this one, the answer will likely be it’s going to be close, but attrition will not be enough.

Let’s s